Romance backdrop

Romance movies

Stories of passion, heartbreak, and intimacy that explore the beautiful and complicated nature of love.

Subgenres include: Romantic Comedy, Passionate Romance, Dark Romance.

Where the Crawdads Sing

191. Where the Crawdads Sing

Drama Mystery Romance Whodunit Tragic Drama
7.2

20222h 6min

United States

Director: Olivia Newman

Abandoned by her family, Kya raises herself all alone in the marshes outside of her small town. When her former boyfriend is found dead, Kya is instantly branded by the local townspeople and law enforcement as the prime suspect for his murder.

Themes

Trial and perception, Ostracism and stigma, Abusive relationships, Survival in the marsh, First love and betrayal, Art as resilience

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Return to Dust

192. Return to Dust

Drama Romance
7.6

20222h 13min

China

Director: Li Ruijun

Humble, unassuming Ma and timid Cao have been cast off by their families and forced into an arranged marriage. They have to combine their strength and build a home to survive. In the face of much adversity, an unexpected bond begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao, uniting with Earth's cycles, create a haven for themselves in which they can thrive.


Both Sides of the Blade

193. Both Sides of the Blade

Drama Romance
6.1

20221h 57min

France

Director: Claire Denis

Jean and Sara have been living together for 10 years. When they first met, Sara was living with François, Jean’s best friend and an admirer from back when he played rugby. Jean and Sara love each other. One day, Sara sees François in the street. He does not notice her, but she is overtaken by the sensation that her life could suddenly change. François gets back in touch with Jean. For the first time in years. He suggests they start working together again. From here on, things spiral out of control.


Peter von Kant

194. Peter von Kant

Drama Romance
6.3

20221h 25min

France, Belgium

Director: François Ozon

Peter von Kant, a successful, famous director, lives with his assistant Karl, whom he likes to mistreat and humiliate. Through the great actress Sidonie, he meets and falls in love with Amir, a handsome young man of modest means. He offers to share his apartment and help Amir break into the world of cinema. Several months later, Amir becomes a star. But as soon as he acquires fame, he breaks up with Peter, leaving him alone to face himself.


Mr Malcolm's List

195. Mr Malcolm's List

Romance Comedy Drama
6.0

20221h 57min

Ireland, United Kingdom

Director: Emma Holly Jones

When she fails to meet an item on his list of requirements for a bride, Julia Thistlewaite is jilted by London’s most eligible bachelor, Mr. Malcolm. Feeling humiliated and determined to exact revenge, she convinces her friend Selina Dalton to play the role of his ideal match. Soon, Mr. Malcolm wonders whether he’s found the perfect woman...or the perfect hoax.


Persuasion

196. Persuasion

Romance Drama Comedy Passionate Romance Historical Drama
5.8

20221h 48min

United Kingdom, United States

Director: Carrie Cracknell

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is an unconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth - the dashing one she once sent away - crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

Themes

"movie: persuasion. genres: romance, Drama, Comedy, Romance, Drama, Comedy main themes: based on novel or book, England, Marriage, Based on novel or book, England, Marriage full keywords list: based on novel or book, England, Marriage, Female protagonist, Period drama. concept analysis: the film explores the complexities of love and the impact of societal expectations on personal happiness. it emphasizes the importance of second chances and the enduring nature of true feelings amidst external pressures."

Available on

Netflix
Netflix Standard with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Decision to Leave

197. Decision to Leave

Thriller Mystery Romance Korean-Style Thriller Investigation Mystery
7.3

20222h 19min

South Korea

Director: Park Chan-wook

In a world where desire turns murder investigations into love stories, a meticulous detective trails a seemingly unshaken widow whose every alibi seduces him deeper. As her past confessions blur the line between victim and killer, he sinks into an obsession that threatens to destroy his case—and himself.

Themes

Deception and misdirection, Forbidden love under scrutiny, Reputation vs evidence, Language barrier complicates trust, Duty vs desire tension, Mistrust within marriage

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Cha Cha Real Smooth

198. Cha Cha Real Smooth

Comedy Drama Romance Coming-of-Age Drama Romantic Comedy
7.3

20221h 48min

United States

Director: Cooper Raiff

Fresh out of college and stuck at his New Jersey home without a clear path forward, 22-year-old Andrew begins working as a party starter for bar/bat mitzvahs—where he strikes up a unique friendship with a young mom and her teenage daughter.

Themes

Autism care pressures, Bar mitzvah dynamics through mentorship, Mother son relationship strain, Bullying tension and loyalty, Miscarriage aftermath and healing, Soul connection through proximity

Available on

Apple TV
Apple TV Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

199. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande

Romance Drama Passionate Romance Relationship Drama
7.2

20221h 37min

United Kingdom

Director: Sophie Hyde

Nancy Stokes, a retired schoolteacher, is pretty sure she has never had good sex. Now that her husband has died, she is determined to take a tour of sexual vistas that until now she has only imagined. She even has a plan; it involves an anonymous hotel room, and a sex worker who calls himself Leo Grande.

Themes

Boundaries in intimate work, Memory and judgment about youth, Self-discovery through experimentation, Sexual awakening after widowhood, Age and body image pressures, Stigma around sex work

Available on

Hulu
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Press Play

200. Press Play

Music Romance Science Fiction
6.1

20221h 25min

South Korea, United States

Director: Greg Björkman

Laura and Harrison have the picture-perfect romance built on the foundation of a shared love of music. After a deadly accident, Laura gets the chance to save the love of her life when she discovers that their mixtape can transport her back in time.